To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what proportion of incapacity benefit claimants in (a) each region, (b) each Jobcentre Plus district and (c) the UK (i) had and (ii) were receiving treatment for (A) drug addiction problems and (B) alcohol addiction problems in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. (269533)

Information on the number of people claiming incapacity benefit and receiving treatment for drug addiction problems and alcohol addiction problems is not available in the form requested.

We estimate that around 350,000 of the around 400,000 heroin and crack cocaine users in Britain are in receipt of working-age benefits. Research has recently been commissioned to assess the prevalence of alcohol misuse in the benefit system.